Micah Jonah
February 8, 2026
Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis has said he supports banning children under the age of 15 from using social media, as several European countries consider tougher restrictions over concerns about the impact of online platforms on young people.
Speaking on Sunday, Babis said experts had warned him that social media use was harmful to children, stressed the need for governments to step in to protect them. He made the comments in a regular video message shared on his social media accounts, without outlining specific proposals.
Across Europe, attitudes toward social media regulation are hardening. Spain, Greece, Britain and France are all weighing stricter rules following Australia’s decision in December to prohibit social media access for users under 16. The move marked the first nationwide ban of its kind and has intensified debate elsewhere.
Czech Deputy Prime Minister, Karel Havlicek later said the government was seriously considering proposing a ban. He told local television that if the cabinet agreed, draft legislation could be introduced later this year.
Spain and Greece announced proposals last week aimed at restricting teenage access to social media, arguing that many platforms are designed to be addictive. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s stance has drawn criticism from technology leaders, including the owner of the X platform. Britain is also considering an Australia style ban, while France is advancing legislation that would bar children under 15 from social media use.
Governments and regulators around the world are increasingly examining how screen time affects children’s development and mental wellbeing, as pressure mounts on technology companies to address concerns over online safety and youth protection.
